The Italian Region of Abruzzo and the National Laboratories of Gran Sasso have successfully collaborated to stimulate knowledge transfer and interest in the sciences, according to recently presented results of two ESF-backed projects.

The second edition of the ESF-funded project ‘Polis’ helped 50 mentally disabled and socio-economically disadvantaged people improve their chances on the employment market. Half of the participants have now found a job – 17 of them with a permanent contract.

By helping the country to develop its administrative and institutional capacity, the operational programme will contribute to Italy’s overall objective of achieving smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

On 29 October 2014, the Commission adopted the Partnership Agreement with Italy, paving the way for more than €10 billion (current prices) in European Social Fund (ESF) funding in the next seven years.